Challenge of Princess Lingyun from the Capital City

Are we just supposed to let this slide Madam clearly wants Miss to lose face. What’s the difference between sending these failing stores as dowry and not sending anything at all""Lose face That would...307. Entering the City, Princess Lingyun's Challenge

307。 Entering the City, Princess Lingyun's Challenge

After welcoming Xu Qingbai into the camp and dismissing a group of curious young officers, only Feng Zhirao, Zhang Qilan, and others remained in the main tent. The place then became quiet once again.

Feng Zhirao looked curiously at Xu Qingbai, saying, "When did Fourth Young Master Xu arrive in Xi Ling We didn’t know about it." Xu Qingbai smiled as he glanced at Ye Li who was staring intently at him and said, "I’ve been here for quite some time. I originally thought that you would take a bit more time to arrive." With this explanation, Feng Zhirao and the others understood that Fourth Young Master Xu must have been secretly sent by the Prince and his wife to Xi Ling. As for what he had come to do… judging from Xu Qingbai's gentle smile, Feng Zhirao suddenly realized something.

"Fourth Brother, did you suffer any injustice these days" Although Ye Li felt relieved seeing that Xu Qingbai was safe, she still worried about whether Fourth Brother suffered any injustice in Xi Ling. After all, the people of Xi Ling didn’t treat scholars as well as those from Da Chu. Before the Black Ink Army arrived, they wouldn’t have treated Fourth Brother very kindly.

Xu Qingbai smiled and comforted her, "There’s nothing serious. I was just a bit bored in Xi Ling. Now that you’re here earlier than expected, everything will be smoother."

Mou Xiu Yao drank his tea while impatiently looking at Ye Li and Xu Qingbai. Only when they were done chatting did he ask, "What does the emperor of Xi Ling plan to do"

Xu Qingbai nodded and replied, "I met with him yesterday again. The pressure from our troops is quite significant for him, and we offered conditions that are tempting enough to make him consider them. However… he’s probably reluctant to hand over the imperial city at this moment. I suspect that we’ll have to fight a couple of battles first. In these few days, reinforcements should be arriving from various places. I estimate that once we repel two waves of troops, he will issue an order to surrender."

Mou Xiu Yao nodded and said, "I understand now. Thank you for your efforts."

Xu Qingbai smiled, "It’s within my duty, so there’s no need to talk about hardship." Zhang Qilan finally came back to his senses with a stunned expression on his face as he looked at Xu Qingbai. After a while, he said, "Does the Prince mean we don’t have to fight for the imperial city Fourth Young Master Xu convinced the emperor of Xi Ling to hand over the imperial city" At this point, Zhang Qilan’s gaze towards Xu Qingbai was almost like looking at an alien. Xu Qingbai smiled modestly and replied, "It’s not exactly a free gift. We also need to offer him something in return."

Zhang Qilan waved his hand and said, "This is the imperial city of Xi Ling. Whatever we give back is still a gain for us. Fourth Young Master Xu has such remarkable abilities at his young age; I heard that the second master of Xu Family, Xu Er Sheng, was capable of debating with scholars in his teens. It seems that Fourth Young Master Xu surpasses him." After saying this, Zhang Qilan couldn’t help but marvel to himself. The Xu Family’s members are too terrifying; they could be more powerful than hundreds of thousands of troops just by using their words. There was also the eldest son of Xu Family who even handled the Prince’s busy political affairs effortlessly. To think… the Prince has such a group of brothers-in-law… Zhang Qilan couldn’t help but look at Mou Xiu Yao with sympathy.

Others naturally noticed the looks and expressions on Zhang Qilan’s face, causing Mou Xiu Yao to turn dark. Although he also felt that these brothers-in-law were troublesome except for Xu Qingfeng who was a bit easier to manage, they all had their uses. Compared to being occasionally troubled by them, Mou Xiu Yao thought his ability insignificant. However, even so, he didn’t want others to feel sympathetic towards him.

Feng Zhirao lowered his head and coughed quietly to hide the smile at the corners of his lips as he asked, "Does Fourth Young Master have confidence The emperor of Xi Ling is still an emperor. Will he really give up the foundations of Xi Ling"

Xu Qingbai smiled and replied, "Compared to a city that can be rebuilt, the emperor’s life and throne are obviously more important in his eyes. Moreover, given the current situation with the chaos among various Western Regions countries, it is clearly no longer suitable as an imperial capital. Even if we don’t want it, I suspect he will want to relocate within three months."

Zhang Qilan frowned slightly and said, "If that’s the case, why do we need such a city Do you mean we have to fight with those Western Regions countries" Although they were not afraid of small kingdoms in the West, couldn’t they deal with their own affairs now The Northwest was still surrounded by troops from Northern Rong and Prince Zhen Nan. Where did they find time to deal with Western Regions countries Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "General Zhang, those Western Regions countries are at war with Xi Ling, not us."

Zhang Qilan, who had been a soldier for most of his life, was not knowledgeable about politics, so he asked in puzzlement, "Does the Princess mean"

Ye Lishi smiled and said, "The Western Regions countries have deep enmity with Xi Ling, but we do not share any grudges with them. The territories they lost to Xi Ling are also outside our current control. We haven’t gained anything from the plundering of their resources by Xi Ling either. Although Xi Ling has been caught off guard and is struggling for breath temporarily, two-thirds of its territory still remains. Once it recovers... even a centipede does not die easily once it falls. If the Western Regions countries wish to take revenge, they would never set up another enemy at this time. As for us… we need this route to connect with the Western Regions and beyond."

Feng Zhiyao clapped his hands in approval, saying, "I understand. After conquering these places, the range of territory controlled by Ding Wangfu can be directly connected to the Western Regions countries. In the future, if we want to engage in trade with the Western Regions, we will no longer need to worry about Xi Ling intercepting our routes. Although there are scarce resources in northwestern regions, it is entirely possible for this area to become a trading route connecting various eastern and western nations. Moreover, such terrain allows us to advance or retreat as needed, to attack or defend...

Moxiuyao nodded in approval: "Feng San is right."

Zhang Qilan nodded: "I see. Since there are so many benefits, we naturally must capture Xi Ling’s imperial city."

After Xu Qingbai recounted the events of the past two months to Ye Lishi and others, they agreed on some matters concerning negotiations with Xi Ling before he got up to return to the city. Concerned, Ye Lishi said, "Fourth Brother, you might as well stay in the military camp. If Xi Ling’s emperor suddenly changes his mind..." Although it was unlikely, it was not impossible either. Ye Lishi always hoped that her brother would not suffer any harm.

Xu Qingbai smiled and patted Ye Lishi on the shoulder: "Don’t worry; nothing will happen. Besides, if I were to run away as a messenger for negotiations first, how could Xi Ling’s emperor trust our sincerity"

"But..." Xu Qingbai still felt worried. Xu Qingbai laughed and said, "Ambassadors sent to other countries actually do not face much danger if they handle the situation well. Moreover, we are clearly in a favorable position now. What use would it be for Xi Ling’s emperor to harm me He might just vent his anger by tolerating it under Prince of Southern Thunder for so many years; he wouldn’t be that bloodthirsty a person, so don't worry about him. Fourth Brother should return first."

Ye Lishi thought and said, "I’ll have Third Brother accompany you back."

Hoping to ease her mind, Xu Qingbai agreed and nodded: "Alright, but there shouldn’t be too many people."

Ye Lishi nodded and quickly called Zhuo Jing over to invite Xu Qingfeng.

Xu Qingfeng was more than willing to accompany Xu Qingbai back to the imperial city. Although they were only cousins, their relationship was warmer than that of biological brothers in the Xu family. Xu Qingfeng could not help but worry about his gentle and courteous younger brother. Without hesitation, he agreed when Ye Lishi mentioned it. He then selected his sixth brother, Qilin, to accompany Xu Qingbai back to the imperial city.

As expected, after a few more days, Emperor of Xi Ling issued an edict in accordance with Xu Qingbai’s expectations five days later. After the Black Family Army continuously defeated two reinforcements from Xi Ling coming to defend the Imperial City, he finally summoned Xu Qingbai again. No one knew what exactly Xu Qingbai had discussed with the emperor of Xi Ling. That day, Emperor of Xi Ling issued an imperial edict announcing that the war between Ding Wangfu and Xi Ling was initiated by Prince of Southern Thunder, Lei Zhenting, who acted without authorization to invade Great Chu. Afterward, not only did he fail to send troops back for reinforcement but also continued marching south to attack southern parts of Great Chu. As a result, Xi Ling’s imperial city was now surrounded with enemy forces at its doorstep. Out of sympathy for the suffering of his people and soldiers, Emperor of Xi Ling decided to negotiate peace with Ding Wangfu. He ceded five states—Anping, Lingyang, Changping, Xuanhong, Pingchuan—to Ding Wangfu. In two months, Xi Ling would move its capital from the current location in the northeast to Ancheng located at the center of Xi Ling.

The issuance of this imperial edict not only shocked the entire court but also stunned rulers in neighboring countries. Although they had not conquered all of Xi Ling’s territory, the Black Family Army managed to capture a third of it within less than three months, including its capital city. Such military strength could not help but elicit both caution and fear from others, let alone that this was only part of their total forces.

Unlike the shock, fear, and anger elsewhere, the Black Family Army’s military camp rejoiced at the news. On the ninth day of encircling Xi Ling's Imperial City, its gates finally opened. The Black Family Army captured what could be considered the most fortified city in Xi Ling with virtually no bloodshed.

Since it was not a full surrender by Xi Ling to the Black Family Army, Emperor of Xi Ling did not come out personally to welcome them. Instead, he sent some officials from court to accompany Xu Qingbai at the gate. Despite this, many officials in Xi Ling looked grim. Moxiuyao and Ye Lishi rode side by side on fine horses, followed by Feng Zhiyao and Qinfeng Zhuo Jing wearing red brocade armor, along with a number of black-armored Black Cloud Cavalry as well as infantry. To avoid alarming the citizens in town, not all Black Family Army troops entered the city; they brought only 10,000 soldiers inside while leaving several hundred thousand outside under Zhang Qilan’s command.

Although there were rumors of a massacre in Biancheng earlier, it was handled well afterward. Furthermore, the Black Family Army largely refrained from harming civilians along their journey, so ordinary citizens in Xi Ling's imperial city did not fear them much. They gathered on both sides of the streets to watch the spectacle. When they saw the two distinguished figures at the forefront were precisely Ding Wang and his Consort, countless envious glances fell upon them.

When they arrived at the main hall of the Western Xiling Palace, Emperor Xiling came out to greet them. He was momentarily taken aback by seeing the two standing side by side. After all, even if Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li's fame wasn't the greatest in this world, it certainly wouldn't be unknown to anyone. Moreover, Mo Xiuyao had gained fame too early and then disappeared for a while, so those who weren't familiar with him might easily mistake him for someone from an older generation. Upon seeing the man and woman before them now, he noticed that although the man was white-haired, his appearance was still handsome and imposing. The woman's appearance was elegant and graceful, exuding an air of sophistication and gracefulness. Judging by their ages, they were both in the prime of their lives. Such people undoubtedly had unparalleled charm.

“Ha ha, Duke Ding, Duchess Ding, this emperor has long admired your reputations; indeed, you are as impressive as everyone says.” Fortunately, Emperor Xiling quickly recovered and withdrew his gaze from Ye Li. Although he was somewhat infatuated with beautiful women, he wasn't at the point of being blinded by lust. He could still tell which women were worth looking at.

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him coolly before withdrawing his cold gaze.

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Please forgive our rudeness."

"Not at all, Duchess Ding speaks too highly of us. Duke Ding and Duchess Ding, please come in. I have already ordered some simple refreshments to be prepared; please don't think ill of it." Seeing that Ye Li spoke before Mo Xiuyao without any displeasure on the face of Duke Ding, Emperor Xiling was more certain of Duchess Ding's standing in his heart. He didn't know that by speaking first, Ye Li had actually saved him from an awkward situation. Otherwise, he might have found himself embarrassed in front of so many officials.

"Your Majesty please."

Upon entering the main hall, they realized how simple and austere the Western Xiling Palace was compared to places like Greater Chu. There weren't even a few valuable decorations or furnishings. The whole place felt empty and cool. Feng Zhirao glanced at Xu Qingbo who sat below him, puzzled. He remembered that Duke Ding's news had said that although Emperor Xiling wasn't extravagant, he certainly wasn't frugal either. Xu Qingbo looked up at the smiling emperor with a faint smile.

Feng Zhirao blinked and suddenly understood as he saw the smiling emperor on the dais talking to Mo Xiuyao. It was clear that the emperor must be planning to move the capital; he was worried Duke Ding would take an interest in his treasures, so he had hidden them away beforehand.

On the dais, Emperor Xiling looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "Duke Ding, about the letter I sent you yesterday—do you have any objections"

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair and raised a hand to accept a scroll from Zuo Jing behind him. He said coolly, "Regarding the conditions proposed by Emperor Xiling, Duke Ding's household can agree to them all except for one... regarding the situation with Nanzhao, this duke is afraid he cannot help."

Emperor Xiling's smile froze and he forced a laugh: "Why not With Duke Ding’s extensive influence, if you sincerely assist me, how could there be any talk of ‘not being able to help’" At present, the enemies facing Western Xiling weren't just Duke Ding. Nanzhao was watching from the south while several small kingdoms in the west were also covetous. Even now, troops from Nanzhao had already occupied a state bordering Western Xiling.

Mo Xiuyao said gravely: "Northwest and Nanzhao are too far apart. If I sent my army to defend Western Xiling against Nanzhao, first, it wouldn't be justified, secondly, the distance would mean that by the time our troops arrived, they'd be tired from traveling; this could actually make them vulnerable to Nanzhao’s tactics."

Emperor Xiling smiled and said: "That's not what I meant." Even if Mo Xiuyao really wanted to help him with his army, he wouldn't dare accept it. Now all he hoped for was that Mo Xiuyao and his army would stay put in their current territories without causing any trouble elsewhere. Asking the Black Family Army to drive away Nanzhao’s troops meant inviting a tiger after getting rid of a wolf.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow questioningly, and Emperor Xiling smiled: "Duke Ding is renowned throughout the world; I believe if Duke Ding makes his position clear, Nanzhao will naturally rein in their actions." In truth, Emperor Xiling didn't truly fear Nanzhao, but he had to deal with Western kingdoms and prepare for Lei Zhenting. He simply couldn’t afford to waste time on Nanzhao. This time around… he did not want to become a puppet again. Besides, having given up the imperial city meant that if Lei Zhenting returned, his life wouldn't be easy.

Mo Xiuyao nodded understandingly and smiled: "That's fine; I will write to Queen of Nanzhao after this." As for whether the former Princess Anxi—the current Queen of Nanzhao—would listen or not was beyond his control. With a satisfied answer, Emperor Xiling’s smile grew even wider as he looked at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li with more sincerity. If Duke Ding could help him deal with both Nanzhao and Lei Zhenting, then perhaps giving up the imperial city wouldn't be such a bad trade.

"Duke Ding, I must confess… Although we have already decided to move the capital to Ancheng, my nephew Lei Tengfeng is still within Western Xiling's borders with troops loyal to Prince Zhennan under his command. How should this problem be addressed" asked Emperor Xiling.

Moxiuyao smiled faintly and said, "King of Xi Ling, our ancestors have a saying: 'When one's title is not proper, his words are not justified.' Lei Zhen Ting is merely the Prince Southern Guard. He does not even hold the legitimate title of Regent King. As for Lei Teng Feng, he’s only the Crown Prince Southern Guard. Is it really impossible for you to deal with him"

The King of Xi Ling smiled bitterly and said, "Lei Teng Feng is obviously nothing to be afraid of, but his army and people loyal to the Southern Guard Palace cannot be underestimated."

Moxiuyao rested his forehead on one hand as he said, "According to what this King knows… Commander-General Shun Tian is currently in the Imperial City. It’s likely that he will follow the King of Xi Ling to An City"

The King of Xi Ling’s expression changed slightly. Feng Ao was indeed in the Imperial City, but Moxiuyao seemed to know about this without him telling anyone else around him. The King of Xi Ling felt a shiver down his spine as he became more fearful of Moxiuyao.

Moxiuyao did not seem to notice the King’s expression and continued, "Moreover, this war was started by Prince Southern Guard. Does his son really want to harm the king who is handling their aftermath If so… The loyalty of Prince Southern Guard Palace…" Many things need not be said clearly. The King of Xi Ling suppressed his shock and smiled knowingly, “I understand now, thank you for your advice, King Ding.”

"King of Xi Ling, you are too kind."

The hall was filled with joyous atmosphere when suddenly a sharp voice intruded from outside, "Father! Father!"

Before the King of Xi Ling could react, a woman dressed in splendid robes had already barged into the palace. She didn’t even look at those seated inside and shouted towards the king, "Father! Are you really going to hand over the Imperial City to Prince Ding Palace Have you gone mad How can you face our ancestors"

The King of Xi Ling’s expression changed as he said sternly, "Rebellion! Ling Yun, your audacity is growing. Do you know where you are and dare to barge in like this!" Although what he was doing would make him look bad before his ancestors and subjects, it wasn’t for his daughter to criticize.

Ye Li looked curiously at the woman who had barged in. Who else could it be but that Ling Yun Princess who wanted to snatch Moxiuyao from her back then

The incident was now over eight or nine years ago, and a proud princess of marriageable age was now nearing thirty. If she hadn’t looked closely at the woman before her, Ye Li would not have recognized her. Even though Ling Yun Princess was already in her late twenties, she still maintained her beauty with fair skin and striking looks. However, compared to back then, this matured woman had become more arrogant and harsh. Her elaborate attire and meticulously groomed eyebrows as well as the sharp gaze in her eyes all pointed towards her personality. A proud young lady might be endearing, but an arrogant woman wasn't particularly appealing to men.

"Did I say something wrong" Ling Yun Princess lifted her chin arrogantly and glared at her father.

“You... You…” The King of Xi Ling was speechless as he slumped in the throne, clearly upset.

Feng Zhi Yao rubbed his chin and looked at this assertive woman. Even though he hadn’t seen much of Princess Ling Yun before, Feng Zhi Yao had heard about how she challenged Prince Ding Palace but ended up sitting on the ground when faced with a disabled man. Smiling, he said to Ling Yun Princess, "Is that you, the princess who challenged the Queen Consort back then It seems your temper is even worse now than it was then. Queen Consort, maybe you two could have another go at it"

Upon hearing this, Ling Yun Princess seemed to realize there were others in the hall. She glared angrily at Feng Zhi Yao before seeing a pair of white-robed man and woman sitting together. She was stunned as she recalled that young man who had won her admiration despite being disabled. He looked even more distinguished now than he did back then, but his snow-white hair stuck out to her like a sore thumb. Even though Ling Yun Princess was far away in Xi Ling, she knew everything about Prince Ding and why his hair turned white. She couldn’t help glancing at Ye Li beside him.

Ye Li met Ling Yun’s gaze and smiled faintly before nodding at her.

However, the graceful appearance of Ye Li struck a chord with Ling Yun Princess. Seeing herself in her elaborate clothes weighed down by jewelry, she realized that she was no longer the proud princess from years ago. Filled with anger, Ling Yun pointed to Ye Li and said, “Ye Li, I challenge you!”s Old Lord Su, turning to look at Ye Ying on stage with a gloomy expression, her eyebrows hinting at a sneer."Please forgive me, I request a re-match with Miss Ye Si." Princess QiXia announced loudly,...